E-Shram Card Registration: Benefits, Eligibility, and How to Apply Online

E-Shram is the national database for unorganised workers launched by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India. By registering on the E-Shram portal, workers get a Universal Account Number (UAN) and an E-Shram card, which enables them to access various social security and welfare schemes. Over 29 crore workers have already registered on the portal.

What is E-Shram Card?

The E-Shram card is a 12-digit unique identification number (UAN) issued to unorganised sector workers who register on the eshram.gov.in portal. It serves as a national database to identify and extend social security benefits to workers in the unorganised sector — including construction workers, street vendors, domestic workers, agricultural labourers, gig workers, and others.

Who is Eligible?

• Unorganised worker — any worker engaged in the unorganised sector (home-based, self-employed, or wage worker)
• Age: 16 to 59 years
• Indian citizen
• Not a member of EPFO or ESIC — should not be a member of Employees' Provident Fund Organisation or Employees' State Insurance Corporation
• Not an income tax payer (for some linked benefits)

Types of Workers Covered

• Construction workers, street vendors, domestic workers
• Agricultural labourers, fishermen, MGNREGA workers
• Rickshaw pullers, auto drivers, truck drivers
• Tailors, weavers, artisans, carpenters
• Mid-day meal workers, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers
• Gig workers (delivery, platform workers)
• Migrant workers, beedi workers, leather workers
• And many more categories

Benefits of E-Shram Card

1. Accidental insurance — ₹2 lakh for accidental death or permanent disability and ₹1 lakh for partial disability under PMSBY (Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana)
2. Access to government schemes — E-Shram registered workers can access benefits under PM-SYM, PMJJBY, PMSBY, Atal Pension Yojana, and more
3. Building and Construction Workers (BoCW) — data is shared with state BoCW boards for registration
4. Emergency relief — during COVID-19 and natural disasters, E-Shram registered workers received direct assistance
5. Portability — benefits can be availed across states as the UAN is national
6. Future social security — the database enables targeted delivery of welfare benefits

Documents Required

• Aadhaar card (mandatory — must be linked to mobile number)
• Active mobile number linked to Aadhaar
• Bank account details (account number, IFSC code)
• No other documents required for basic registration

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Online Self-Registration

1. Visit the portal — Go to register.eshram.gov.in
2. Enter Aadhaar number — Type your 12-digit Aadhaar number
3. Enter mobile number — The mobile number linked to your Aadhaar
4. Verify captcha — Enter the captcha code shown
5. Send OTP — Click "Send OTP" — OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile
6. Enter OTP — Type the OTP received on your mobile
7. Fill details — Enter personal details (name, DOB, gender), occupation/skill, bank account details, nominee details
8. Upload photo — Upload a recent passport-size photograph (if needed)
9. Review and submit — Check all details and submit
10. Download E-Shram card — After successful registration, download your E-Shram card with UAN number

Through CSC (Common Service Centre)

1. Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Jan Seva Kendra
2. Carry your Aadhaar card and bank passbook
3. The CSC operator will fill your details and complete biometric verification
4. Your E-Shram card will be generated
5. Fee: The registration is free. Do not pay any agent or CSC for registration charges

Via Mobile App

1. Download the Bharat e-Shram app from Google Play Store
2. Follow the same registration process as online
3. Complete Aadhaar verification via OTP
4. Download your E-Shram card from the app

Fees

Important: E-Shram registration is completely free. Beware of fraud — do not pay anyone for registration.

Processing Time

• Registration: Instant (5-10 minutes)
• UAN generation: Immediate after successful registration
• Card download: Available immediately after registration

Important Tips

1. Aadhaar-mobile linking is mandatory — Your mobile number must be linked to Aadhaar. If not linked, visit an Aadhaar centre first
2. Free registration — Do not pay any agent or centre for E-Shram registration. It is completely free
3. Keep your UAN safe — The 12-digit UAN is your unique identity. Use it to access benefits
4. Update details — If you change your bank account, mobile, or address, update on the E-Shram portal
5. Link to other schemes — After E-Shram registration, enrol in Atal Pension Yojana and PM Shram Yogi Maandhan for pension benefits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is E-Shram card mandatory for unorganised workers?

While not legally mandatory, registering gives access to social security benefits and government schemes. It is highly recommended.

Q2. Do I get money directly for having an E-Shram card?

The E-Shram card itself does not provide direct cash payments. It is a registration that enables access to various schemes like PMSBY (accidental insurance), pension schemes, and emergency relief.

Q3. Can organised sector workers register on E-Shram?

No. Workers who are members of EPFO or ESIC cannot register on E-Shram. It is only for unorganised sector workers.

Q4. I don't have a smartphone. How can I register?

Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Jan Seva Kendra. The CSC operator will complete the registration for you at no charge.

Q5. Can I update my E-Shram card details?

Yes, visit eshram.gov.in and login with your UAN to update bank account, mobile number, address, or occupation details.

Q6. Is there an age limit for E-Shram registration?

Yes, you must be between 16 and 59 years of age to register.

Q7. What is the accidental insurance benefit amount?

Under PMSBY linked to E-Shram: ₹2 lakh for accidental death or permanent disability, and ₹1 lakh for partial disability.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Government of India. For official information, visit eshram.gov.in.